boardflip | LOCATION ♜ GRAUPERA

GRAUPERA, CAPABLANCA SEA FORT
Before her gold glitz and grey glimmer is a steel guard.

You may direct questions related to this location at the thread below!

LOCATION ♟ Graupera
Built in the 15th century to fend off invaders from the south, Fort Graupera is a site of strategic, historic and cultural importance. The fusion of Noir and later Othellian architectural styles speak volumes about Capablanca’s rich history of war and trade with Othello. A venerable reminder of wars past, Graupera has been revived and restored to its former glory to face the wars of the present. From the island, there is a breathtaking view of Capablanca’s beautiful coast, serving as a constant reminder of what its soldiers were fighting for.

Port Silvano ♖

Graupera’s docks curl in a gentle half-circle at its feet, fashioned from heavy, unyielding stone — a wordless warning of what lies beyond. Merchants and traders have set up their stalls in the dock area, peddling wares such as seafood and odd knick-knacks. One in particular sells a jar of dirt that will grant battle protection from the gods if you eat the whole thing. It’s hogwash, of course. The military supports the sale of these objects to raise morale, but all items must first be approved before they are declared legal. It demonstrates the tight security which currently at work in Capablanca, along with the soldiers patrolling the area.

A bridge connects Capablanca to Graupera: the Bridge of Perenne. Said to represent Blanc’s unfailing spirit in the face of despair, it was one of the few parts of Graupera that actually survived the first war against Noir, prompting people to affectionately refer to it as the “Everlasting Bridge.” It is a movable bridge that parts in half to allow passage for ships. There are hidden ladders that lead down into the hollow body of the bridge, allowing travel to Capablanca or Graupera without being seen. And the Oeilius Lighthouse acts as Graupera’s guiding light. It was one of the first structures built on the island and has slowly sunk into the bedrock itself. Some Capablancans boast that even if the rest of Graupera and Capablanca were to be swept away in a storm, the foundations of the Oeilius would still be there.

A marvel for even those without military knowledge to behold, the floating fortress (acquired during Operation Dasvidaniya) that bridges Graupera to the open sea is based here. It’s usually docked just a few yards away from the Bridge of Perenne, but it can be moved, and may prove to be a valuable asset in times of battle. Heroes currently keep their conquered Noir ships¹ (acquired during the Battle of Graupera) here.

¹Ships equipped with magical weapons. Further research will lead to the production of these ships for Blanc use. They can be used in official war missions. You also are free to explore nearby islands within Capablancan territorial waters with these ships.

Wall Renzo and Wall Lucia ♖

Two walls surrounding the island that form absolute defense, they are equipped with hefty, metallic cannons that are usually fully loaded with various projectiles. Matching shields join the offense, putting a swift check on any and all assaults with a spherical mana barrier. Standing at an impressive thirty feet, the First Wall of Graupera, Wall Renzo, is made of lemonstone (it’s tasty, which unfortunately attracts swarms of pesky birds intent on a lick) and surrounds the entire island and its inhabitants. It is the First Absolute Defense, The impenetrable defense here sends a clear message: mess with this place, and we’ll blow you to sky-high. The structure of the wall itself has stood against the tests of time and war: cracks within the stone are overflowing with moss and other invading plant life. Attacks that chipped away at Wall Renzo over the course of Blanc’s history have been filled in with other colorful stones that don’t match in the least but give the wall its character and charm. Two dutiful soldiers often patrol this area together at midnight, but rumor has it that all they do is make out. Scandalous!

Behind Wall Renzo’s protective barrier lies the Second Absolute Defense, known as Wall Lucia. No one quite knows how the name came about, although legend has it that Renzo and Lucia were a pair of lady pirates so elusive that they evaded all traces of historical record. This legend also tells of hidden clues scattered within the structures of both walls: clues that are stated to lead to their final and most valuable treasure. But even when the walls were crumbling, archeologists, thieves, and treasure hunters found little. It makes a nice story though, doesn’t it? Now restored, Lucia boasts an imposing bulk made all the more so by her deep trenches.

Dominating the walls are the Four Rookeries, which serve as watchtowers. Their designs are based off the Rookery at Caissa, complete with a breathtaking stained glass window depicting various seabirds. They are populated by the stone-feathered seabirds that have stubbornly returned to roost albeit in smaller numbers. At the lowest level of each rookery is a break area with cots, a couch, and a small dining table, the perfect place for guards to catch a moment of respite between shifts.

Piazza di Speranza ♖

There are plenty more rumors to be overheard in Marea’s Montate Tavern, where soldiers often go to wind down with pints of the most exclusive Capablancan beers or meads. Many Capablancan locals would give an arm and a leg for a taste, but only the military and government are allowed here. The tavern stands out amongst even the oldest buildings thanks to the graffiti on the walls outside. From declarations of love to Old Othellian curse words to a small matagot in the corner, there isn’t an inch left uncovered. You’ll make a name for yourself in the annals of history here if you attempt the special eating challenge. To be exact, you’ll be at war with your stomach for a few hours. Or twenty. The locals merely call it “Purgatory” since you’ll be wanting to purge your insides. You might recognize it as Mystery Monday’s ‘???’ dish!

Further in, you will find Fort Graupera’s twin crown jewels: the Houses of Solare and Lunare. House of Solare boasts residential areas in the upper floors with private rooms¹, a kitchen and great hall on the ground floor, and simple recreational areas in the first basement level. The second basement is home to underground greenhouses (not unlike Alekhine’s) and warehouses which house weapons and other relevant supplies.

¹Heroes get their very own private (jail-sized) room, fully customizable, as a second home away from the Hall of Glory. Your room's appearance, decorations, and so on are up to player discretion.

House of Lunare’s upper stories include a training hall with reinforced walls and the conference room. A tiny, well-stocked infirmary is tucked away on the ground floor. The first basement is oddly deserted, and the walls have not been properly repaired: they’re pocked with strange nooks and tiny alcoves. There are all kinds of odd things lying around here, including more of the small tools found with the birds during the clean-up. The mana disturbances which continue to plague parts of Graupera are so strong here that people believe them to be ghosts at work. The second basement contains jail and interrogation rooms with restricted access and steel-reinforced walls.

The Coraggio Compound ♖

Surprisingly scenic for an area intended to service the military, The Coraggio Compound can be found near Piazza di Speranza. This is where the army lives, and upkeep of the area falls solely on its residents. Decorations are minimal, and the buildings are clearly built with utilitarianism in mind (more boxy than flashy), but you can't take the Capablanca out of a Capablancan. Neatly and lovingly trimmed geranium and quartz rose bushes line the streets. The largest of these bushes leads to the military bunkhouse, and following smaller paths will guide you towards various smaller campsites. Approach politely, and you may be invited for songs and stories around the campfire!

At the center lies the Spry and Spotless Bathhouse, a public facility with two large pools. To the east lies the bathing pool, where military and Heroes alike are welcome to get clean and lounge at their leisure. To the west is the training pool, filled with clean, very cold saltwater, and is meant to mimic the conditions of the sea. The soldiers use these conditions to train for search and rescues, or when they feel they need a more "disciplined" wake-up! Soldiers are also sent to swim endless laps around this pool if they are suspected of neglecting their duties for a visit to Titania.

Beneath The Coraggio Compound is the underground area, but this zone is only accessible through the underground tunnels found at the Bridge of Perenne, Wall Lucia, and House Solare. In times of peace, you should also be prepared to have a good excuse for trying to access this area! Stored down here are various armored shelters, ready to be transported in case of calamities or emergency evacuations, as well as numerous storage warehouses. Wander through the dark tunnels for long enough, and you may discover three hidden ship ports; their location is Graupera’s most well-kept and precious secret.

SERVICES & PART-TIME JOBS
Threads on part-time jobs may count toward quest AC.
OEILIUS LIGHTHOUSE ♖
Location: Port Silvano
Type: Part-time Job
Reward: 80 colle per hour

There is nothing more comforting to a sailor after a long journey than a trusty lighthouse guiding them home. Put your navigational skills to good use at the Oeilius Lighthouse, and you will be entrusted with operation of the lights. If you prefer to focus on the more technical aspects of the operation, they are also in need of maintenance crew. This involves upkeep of the lights around the fortress and the lighthouse itself, and checking/restoring supplies such as weapons, medicine, food, and ammunition. Lastly, and especially if you don’t mind graveyard shifts, there is always a need for security personnel to patrol the shores and man the Renzo and Lucia watchtowers!

MAREA’S MONTATE TAVERN ♖
Location: Piazza di Speranza
Type: Part-time Job
Reward: 80 colle per hour

It takes strong mental fortitude to be able to keep up with customer demands at Marea’s Montate Tavern. Think you’ve got what it takes? The tips are well-worth the trouble, but these positions are not for the faint of heart. Marea is actively hiring willing souls for the positions of bartender, line cook (must be a little bit sadistic), server, and entertainer. Entertainer, you say? Why yes, government and military personnel don’t want a minute of boredom! They enjoy a little bit of singing, dancing, comedy, or storytelling with their meals.

LOCATION ♜ GRAUPERA

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